Mick Felton

The Books Council of Wales is saddened to hear of the passing of Mick Felton.

As Seren’s publisher, Mick played a pivotal role in Welsh publishing for four decades. The industry and the writers of Wales owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.

The Books Council appreciates the colossal amount of quiet, behind-the-scenes work of publishers in general, and by Mick in particular, to ensure that Welsh publishing and Welsh writers continue to thrive. This is very often a labour of love and Mick gave his all to his calling.

The retirement he deserved was cut cruelly short and our thoughts are with his colleagues at Seren and those closest to him.

18 November 2024

Islwyn Ffowc Elis (1924–2004): A few reminiscences by Robin Chapman

In mid-summer 1996, having been commissioned to write a small volume on Islwyn for the Writers of Wales series, I wrote to him to say I would be visiting the Lampeter area, where he lived, within a few weeks, and that I would appreciate an opportunity to meet him. In response, I received a bulky package: a letter rebuking me for calling him ‘Dr Elis’ (‘I’m Islwyn to my friends’) and inviting me to visit his home for coffee, or lunch, or afternoon tea. He had enclosed a detailed map in his own hand, suggestions of places to stay, and several pages of a CV and bibliography – all typed specifically for me. In the event we spent the morning at his home, and part of the afternoon at a nearby hotel (with Islwyn insisting on buying the drinks), before I took my leave of him laden with a pile of papers, pamphlets, and newspaper cuttings – and an invitation to call again.

And as the short English critique – and the substantially more extensive Welsh biography I wrote in its wake – came together (the second was published in 2003, a few months after his death), the contact and packages continued apace: comments on draft chapters, snippets of recollections, sources and names that could prove useful – and one quite lengthy essay, ‘Pam y blynyddoedd mud? Ymgais i esbonio’, in which he attempted to explain why his talent had blossomed so impressively in the 1950s and ended so abruptly by the mid-1960s.

In fact, there was hardly any need for the essay. Part of the explanation was evident in every package I received: his unstinting benevolence. I was not the only one to bear witness to it.

Islwyn’s main principle in life was to please. Satisfying his parents’ expectations was his motive in entering the ministry. He wrote Cysgod y Cryman (1953) to promote popular literature in the Welsh language, and even after he had ventured to become a full-time author, he spent months writing Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd (1957) as a gift to Plaid Cymru, yielding to Gwynfor Evans the right to decide whether the plot and its contents were acceptable. It was the same desire to be helpful that prompted him, despite himself, to stand as parliamentary candidate in Montgomeryshire in 1962, and to do the same thing again in 1964, although by then he lived far away from the constituency. In between both campaigns, under pressure from his wife’s family, he was persuaded to apply for a permanent position as lecturer at Trinity College, Carmarthen – and found himself on call when Gwynfor launched his historic by-election campaign two years later. Between the pressure he put on himself to serve the popular reading needs of the Welsh nation, his feeling of guilt in turning his back on the calling that others wished for him, his feeling of duty towards his party, and a teaching post he had no desire to hold, from then on there was no escape. And time and time again throughout his career, he found it impossible to say ‘No’. A sketch for a drama company? A pleasure. Adjudicating at an Eisteddfod? No problem. Reading a collection of short stories written by a young, unpublished writer? More than happy to oblige.

I won’t forget my visit to Lampeter, the generosity and the conversation – and Islwyn’s word of advice to me as I left, heavily laden: ‘Please don’t go to any trouble on my behalf. Don’t work too hard.’

WALES CHILDREN’S & YOUNG PEOPLE’S BOOK COVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2024

The Books Council of Wales has announced the shortlisted titles in its brand-new Children’s Book Cover of the Year Awards, which will be awarded for the first time in 2024.

The awards have two categories – Welsh-language Book Cover and English-language Book Cover. The shortlisted books have been selected by the nine members of the Books Council of Wales’ Young People’s Panel, and the two category winners will be chosen by a public vote to be held online from 12-25 November. Voting will close at midday, 25 November 2024.

The shortlisted books are:

English-language Book Cover:

Ceri & Deri: 1,2,3 Cover illustration by Max Low. Cover design by Joana Rodrigues, Graffeg. Author Max Low. Published by Graffeg.

Lilly & Myles: The Torch Cover illustration by Hannah Rounding. Cover design by Joana Rodrigues, Graffeg. Author Jon Roberts. Published by Graffeg.

Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine Cover illustration by Becka Moor. Author Claire Fayers. Published by Firefly.

The Song that Sings Us Cover artwork by Jane Matthews. Author Nicola Davies. Published by Firefly.

Welsh-language Book Cover:

Ac Rwy’n Clywed Dreigiau / And I Hear Dragons Cover illustration by Eric Heyman. Cover design by Becka Moor. Editor: Hanan Issa. Published by Firefly.

Diwrnod Prysur Cover illustration and design by Huw Aaron. Author Huw Aaron. Published by Gwasg Carreg Gwalch.

Mwy o Straeon o’r Mabinogi Cover illustration by Valériane Leblond. Cover design by Gwasg Rily Publications. Author: Siân Lewis. Published by Gwasg Rily Publications.

Mynd i Weld Nain Cover illustration by Lily Mŷrennin. Cover design by Richard Pritchard. Author Delyth Jenkins. Published by Y Lolfa.

The awards have been established to celebrate and recognise the contribution of illustrators and designers in bringing stories to life, and creating eye-catching, attractive books that appeal to young readers.

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “We are so excited to launch our very first Book Cover of the Year Awards this year to honour and recognise the outstanding quality of book design for children’s and young people’s books in Wales.

“These awards celebrate the talented designers and illustrators who create book covers that grab attention, convey just enough of the story, and have the perfect balance of title, author and imagery – and ultimately inspire young readers to pick up their next book. We can’t wait to see which books will be chosen as the winners in the public vote over the coming weeks and wish everyone shortlisted the very best of luck.”

The designer/illustrator of the winning cover in each category will win or share a cash prize of £500. The winners will be decided by an online public vote for each category, between 12-25 November. Voting will close at midday, 25 November 2024. You can vote once in each category at the following link:

Vote here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ClawrLlyfrPlantYFlwyddyn

The winners will be announced on Thursday 28 November 2024.

Wales at Frankfurt Book Fair: Showcasing Wales at the world’s largest content fair

Wales will have a presence at Frankfurt Book Fair this October for the second year in a row, thanks to funding from Welsh Government via Creative Wales. The Books Council of Wales is coordinating Wales’ presence at the fair to promote the very best books and authors from Wales on an international stage.

Frankfurt Book Fair takes place each year in October and is the largest content fair in the world, with representation from countries from across the globe travelling to Germany to showcase the very best of their books and literature across all genres.

This key cultural event attracted 4,000 exhibitors from 95 countries in 2023, as well as over 100,000 trade visitors from 130 countries.[1] By attending, Wales-based publishers can meet representatives from other creative industries, such as film and games, as well as other publishers, to discuss collaborations, rights and licensing, and build relationships

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “We are delighted to be coordinating Wales in Frankfurt this year and to attend alongside our publishing colleagues to celebrate literature from Wales and present it to the world.

“The bilingual publishing sector in Wales forms part of the foundational economy which is a Welsh Government priority sector within the Creative Industries. Thanks to Welsh Government, publishers from Wales have this opportunity to make new business contacts from across Europe and the world, to exchange ideas and open up new markets for books and content from Wales in both languages.”

Richard Davies from publisher Parthian Books said: “The bookfair in Frankfurt is the shop window of the world of books. It is a great opportunity for Parthian to be part of the Wales stand and introduce exciting emerging writers, like Joshua Jones and Lloyd Markham, to an international audience.”

The Minister for the Creative Industries, Jack Sargeant, said: “We are committed to supporting Welsh publishers and authors and it’s good news that they will be represented once again this year at Frankfurt. I wish every success to the Welsh delegation as they seek to ensure more words and stories from Wales are heard and read all over the world.”

Frankfurt Book Fair is open from 16–20 October 2024. You can find out more about the fair here: Frankfurter Buchmesse | Home

[1] Get to know Frankfurter Buchmesse

Bethan Gwanas receives highest Welsh accolade in the field of Children’s Books:
Announcing the recipient of the 2024 Mary Vaughan Jones Award

The 2024 Mary Vaughan Jones Award, the highest honour in the field of children’s books in Wales, is awarded to Bethan Gwanas, in celebration of her exceptional contribution to children’s and young people’s literature.

The award is presented every three years by the Books Council of Wales in memory of Mary Vaughan Jones, who died in 1983. It is awarded to a person who has made a special contribution to the field of children’s literature in Wales.

Over her career as an author, Bethan Gwanas has published 51 books for children, young people and adults – for both fluent Welsh speakers and learners. She has made a wide and valuable contribution to children’s and young people’s literature, and her stories often feature strong and determined female characters, such as Efa in the series Y Melanai.

She has won the Tir na n-Og Award twice – with Llinyn Trôns in 2001 and Sgôr in 2003. Many of her books for children and young people are now considered classics such as Llinyn Trôns, Ceri Grafu, Gwylliaid, Pen Dafad and the Cadi series for younger readers.

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “Bethan Gwanas’ contribution to children’s and young people’s literature in Wales is exceptional, and it’s a pleasure to present her with the 2024 Mary Vaughan Jones Award in recognition of her many achievements in this field. In addition to writing amazing stories, Bethan is passionate about promoting reading and Welsh-language books, and she works tirelessly with schools and libraries, and online, to inspire children and young people to read. Many congratulations, Bethan, on this well-deserved award.”

Bethan Gwanas said: “I had such a shock. I was in a meeting when all of a sudden, the Books Council boss walked in: “Bethan, you thought you were here for a meeting, but…” It felt like a cross between This Is Your Life and Y Brodyr Bach. My first thought was, “Are you mad?” but then I realised: “No, I deserve this!” Some people get a clock after a lifetime of service. I get the Mary Vaughan Jones Award! And yes, I’m over the moon and thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honour. It means the world to me.”

Bethan Gwanas was raised in Brithdir near Dolgellau. After graduating in French from the University of Aberystwyth she worked in a number of jobs, including with VSO in Nigeria, sourcing extras for S4C TV programme Rownd a Rownd, leading activities such as canoeing and climbing at the Glan-llyn outdoor activity centre, and presenting Welsh-language TV shows on gardening and travelling.

A special event will be held in November to celebrate Bethan’s achievement and present her with the award in the company of family and friends from the book world and beyond.

INSPIRING YOUNG READERS IN THE CLASSROOM

Teachers across Wales have a new resource to help them inspire a love of reading with young learners.

Today, 1 October, the Books Council of Wales has launched a Celebrate Reading Pack for primary and secondary schools, full of ideas, activities and special resources to enjoy reading in the classroom.

The pack was created following feedback received from teachers in Wales asking for resources that would help them to celebrate reading all year round, in addition to the popular reading celebrations such as World Book Day in March, and UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day in April.

Ruth James, a teacher from Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr said: “There were a whole host of brand new ideas that would engage pupils to read. Having a resource like this is so valuable. We will definitely be using a number of the activities this year and encouraging the rest of the staff to use them too. I can’t stress enough the importance of creating a reading culture in class.”

Bethan Jones, Head of Children’s Books and Reading Promotion said: “We’re so pleased to offer this pack to teachers across Wales to help them instil a love of reading, and to enjoy books with learners in the classroom.

“From the review we held in 2023, we received a clear message from teachers that they would welcome resources to help them create more opportunities to celebrate reading in class throughout the year.

“The pack focusses on a range of books from Wales, and includes activities, discussion guides, author recordings, and links to subjects across the Curriculum for Wales, together with ideas that can also be adapted for studying other books.

“The pack is also full of great ideas to celebrate books in schools inside and outside the classroom – from reading events, book swaps, displays and assemblies – to put reading and a love of books at the heart of school life.

“We really hope that it will answer the call from teachers for resources to help them in the classroom, and make reading for pleasure a part of the day-to-day life of the school.”

The Celebrate Reading Pack is available for schools to download from the Books Council of Wales website: Celebrate Reading Pack | Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru